Americorps
"You had a tremendous impact on my life. My time at High Rocks is still paying dividends. Still learning, still growing, still trying... I will be forever grateful. BTW, I rolled my AmeriCorps education money into a bachelor's degree at Univ. of Mary Washington, and now I'll graduate from VCU in Richmond with an MA in History this May. High Rocks!" - AmeriCorps alumnus
Apply to Serve Now with AmeriCorps and High Rocks
AmeriCorps is an opportunity to give full-time service to changing lives in our community while receiving a monthly living allowance, health insurance, college loan deferral, and an education award to use for college tuition or student loans. Learn more:
High Rocks AmeriCorps Program Overview
Interested in becoming a High Rocks AmeriCorps member? Contact Brooke Burns at brooke@highrocks.org for instructions on how to apply.
You can also ontact us at americorps@highrocks.org, 304-653-4891, or High Rocks, 195 Thompson Rd., Hillsboro, WV 24946.
AMERICORPS POSITIONS IN HIGH ROCKS PROGRAMS
This AmeriCorps member will help support our gardens, high tunnels, and local foods programs while working directly with community members and young people. They’ll help grow fresh, healthy food for youth programs and teach young people how to grow, market, and sell nutritious food. They’ll also be involved in our Grow Appalachia program, where community members learn how to grow and cook food. Experience is a bonus, but not required — what we’re looking for is someone who loves working with community members and young people and is excited about growing and sharing healthy, delicious food.
High Rocks began in 1996 as a residential summer camp on a mountainside to help girls prepare for high school with a positive outlook about themselves and their abilities. Over 25 years later, we work with young people not only at summer camp, but throughout the year at our 200-acre campground in Pocahontas County, at the Hub in Lewisburg, and with partner organizations across the state. High Rocks and its partners share the aim of making communities stronger, richer, and more vibrant places to work and live for everyone. AmeriCorps members at High Rocks will recruit students and volunteers and help with our year-round educational programming for local youth. Our programming is free to students, and we accept youth from all walks of life and all the different tables in the cafeteria.
AmeriCorps members serving at the Hub Café will gain hands-on experience in barista and culinary skills while developing valuable workplace and business competencies. Through close mentorship and training in a commercial kitchen, members will help maintain consistent, high-quality service at the Hub Café, provide welcoming and professional customer service, assist with catering, and represent the Café by tabling at local farmers markets and community events. In addition, members will support café marketing efforts by assisting with social media content and other promotional activities, as well as maintaining records and tracking evaluation data to support program learning and improvement. Members will also help coordinate the Hub’s after-school tutoring programs and workshops, support and facilitate programming such as workshops and service overnights, recruit volunteers, and contribute to the implementation of our strong, integrated programs that serve both young people and the broader community.
AmeriCorps members will provide direct service to community members by fixing desktop/laptop computers and helping to resolve hardware, software, and networking problems. Part of their role will involve community outreach and communication for our services as well as planning and leading educational events/workshops. Members will also support customers who struggle with digital literacy (using email, the internet, basic computer tasks), or want to learn to use a new device, application, or digital medium. Additionally, AmeriCorps members will provide mentorship to our youth technicians, high school students that are gaining paid experience learning to be IT technicians.
AMERICORPS POSITIONS AT PARTNER SITES
Appalachian Center for Independent Living (ACIL) provides the five core services of the Independent Living philosophy to individuals with disabilities throughout our service area. These services include Information and Referral, Independent Living Skills Training, Peer Support, Individual and Systems Advocacy, and Transition Services. Through these consumer-driven services, ACIL empowers individuals with disabilities to increase their independence, make informed choices, access community resources, advocate for their rights, and participate fully in all aspects of community life.
The AmeriCorps member will support ACIL's mission of empowering individuals with disabilities to live independently and participate fully in their communities. Primary responsibilities will include assisting with independent living skills training, peer support activities, youth transition services, disability awareness initiatives, and community outreach efforts. They will help plan and facilitate workshops, assist with information and referral activities, support social and recreational inclusion opportunities, participate in advocacy and awareness events, and help connect individuals with community resources. They will also assist with volunteer recruitment, outreach activities, and the development of educational materials that promote disability inclusion and independent living.
Bethlehem Farm is a Catholic community in Summers County, WV, that transforms lives through service with the community and teaching sustainable practices. We invite volunteers to join us in living the Gospel cornerstones of prayer, community, simplicity, and service. Our “Repairing Homes, Renewing Communities” (RHRC) program improves the housing conditions of local low-income residents while forming relationships and building hope. Typical RHRC home repair projects include: roof repair or replacement, insulation, weatherization, window and door replacement, porch repair, additions, wheelchair ramps, and exterior siding. Week-long volunteers come to Bethlehem Farm to serve through home repair but also to learn about Appalachian culture and sustainable practices. They form relationships with local homeowners as they work alongside each other. Many homeowners remain friends with Bethlehem Farm long after the RHRC project is completed. Bethlehem Farm also collaborates with partner organizations to enhance our impact. Our Green Neighbors Project enables our local community to more affordably employ sustainable practices. The Sustainable Upgrade General Fund is used to subsidize the cost of sustainable materials and labor to replace conventional (standard, lower quality, more toxic) materials with non-toxic, super-insulating, durable, and/or environmentally friendly products. The Sustainable Upgrade Weatherization Fund helps low-income families with insulation, siding, roofing, and other home improvements that will reduce energy use in the home, extend the life of the home, or reduce energy bills. The Sustainable Upgrade Solar Fund empowers local residents, nonprofits, and churches with renewable energy installations, using a mix of education, coaching, and microlending.
The AmeriCorps member will serve as a service week leader, coordinate and develop the Repairing Homes, Renewing Communities (RHRC) program, and interact with volunteer groups.
Challenged Athletes of West Virginia (CAWV), a non-profit 501(c)3, has been providing adaptive sports opportunities to children and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities since 1996. Our mission is to enrich the quality of life for individuals with disabilities through outdoor sports and recreation. From humble beginnings, we have grown to become a leader in the Mid-Atlantic Region. For 30 years, CAWV has primarily provided equipment and instruction for adaptive alpine skiing and snowboarding as well as education and training opportunities for professional and volunteer staff.
The AmeriCorps member will be recruiting and coordinating volunteers and outreach for more participation in our programs, especially our summer mountain biking program.
Coalfield Development Corporation is a 501(c)(3) organization that incubates employment-based social enterprises to provide paid on-the-job training opportunities to Appalachians who are in need of opportunities to enter or re-enter the workforce. Crews are embedded in Coalfield’s construction and real estate sites, light manufacturing sites, and agricultural sites, which are all income-earning mechanisms to provide additional funding for Coalfield to continue to re-invest in the operations of the organization. On-the-job training employees are with Coalfield for anywhere between six months and three years, and shorter-term training participants engage in trainings lasting between 1 day and 6 weeks. Coalfield’s training model blends personal development, professional certifications, higher education and technical training, and emphasizes experiential and life-long learning.
The AmeriCorps member embedded in Refresh will harvest produce, start seeds, do light construction on sites, and aggregate and ship produce from other small farms and farmers to fulfill orders. They will also conduct workshops and do site visits to schools and other organizational partners for youth education events on the food system. There will also be 3 hours a week of personal development, 2 hours a week of professional development, and some will do 6 hours a week of education. AmeriCorps Members will help with production, trainings, and any other needs as assigned by the Crew Chief.
The AmeriCorps member embedded in Mountain Mindful will be fulfilling apparel orders and performing screen printing and embroidery services for garment orders ranging from individuals to national sports teams, universities, and other non-profit organizations. There will also be 3 hours a week of personal development, 2 hours a week of professional development, and some will do 6 hours a week of education. AmeriCorps Members will help with production, trainings, and any other needs as assigned by the Crew Chief.
The AmeriCorps member embedded in the Workforce Development Team will support other crews in the implementation of all of Coalfield’s training programming. They will follow the same professional and personal development schedule as other OJT employees, and help with trainings, media, and any other needs as assigned by the Workforce Development team.
Fairmont State University's First Year Experience (FYE) programs aim to facilitate a successful transition into the university, with a special focus on first-generation students and the particular challenges faced by this subset of students. The First Year Experience is broadly defined as any and all student interactions with the university, from recruiting and admissions all the way through the successful start of a student's second year.
The First2 Network is an expanding group of people and organizations working to increase the number of college graduates in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to strengthen our communities and drive an innovation economy in West Virginia and beyond. First2 focuses on rural, first-generation, and low-income STEM students, making sure all our students can succeed. The Glenville State University has been an active participant with First2 since 2022. Glenville State University (GSU) is a public, primarily undergraduate university in rural central West Virginia. GSU has a total undergraduate enrollment of approximately 1,560–1,583 students, maintaining a 15:1 student-faculty ratio. It offers diverse baccalaureate, associate, and online programs and has over 40 different degree programs.
The AmeriCorps member will be a First2 Student Director. They will facilitate our Campus Club or Robotics Club meetings per month and support planning, coordination, and student engagement in STEM-focused programming. They will also spend approximately five hours in a K–12 school system delivering outreach presentations and discussions on STEM pathways, college access, and career exploration. In addition, the member will complete a minimum of 57 hours of peer mentoring over the 7.5-month service term. Peer mentoring responsibilities include providing content-area academic support to college students, modeling effective study strategies, fostering belonging within STEM majors, and connecting peers to campus resources. Through these activities, the member will support STEM persistence while building leadership and professional skills.
The Center for Student Success (CSS) is Marshall University’s central hub for holistic student support, academic success initiatives, and individualized guidance. We serve students from all backgrounds including those, with particular emphasis on those who are first-generation, from rural communities, low-income backgrounds, academically underprepared, or navigating personal and structural barriers to success. CSS provides coordinated programs, supportive mentoring, proactive outreach, and resource navigation to help students build confidence, develop essential academic skills, and stay connected to the Marshall community. Our work is grounded in relationships. CSS staff meet students where they are, listen to their experiences, identify barriers early, and guide them toward the services and strategies that help them succeed. Through programs such as FAM Peer Mentoring, Academic Recovery, Total Withdrawal Counseling, Supplemental Instruction, and case-management support, CSS engages with thousands of students annually. CSS collaborates closely with faculty, advisors, and partner offices across campus to ensure students receive timely, coordinated, and compassionate support. Our approach is strengths-based, student-centered, and grounded in the belief that when students feel encouraged, connected, and equipped, their capacity to thrive expands significantly.
The AmeriCorps member will provide embedded support for conditionally admitted students, academic recovery case management, total comeback outreach & return-after-withdrawal support, and K–12 student engagement through a summer bridge program for conditionally admitted high school seniors.
Greenbrier Community School (GCS) is a place of collaboration, trust, and civility. We are a community of learners with classes from 18-months to 5th grade. Our pedagogy is innovative, our values are grounded in time-honored tradition with a commitment to be on the forefront of the progressive ideas that produce the best education and learning environments. Our curriculum is innovative and student-centered with an emphasis on independent thinking and problem-solving. Our students mature into confident, self-directed learners who recognize the value of collaboration and cooperation in the learning environment.
The AmeriCorps member will be a co-teacher in our multiage pre-k classroom and assist with our after school program.
GCHA is a non-profit organization made of many people and organizations working together to reduce health disparities across Greenbrier County. Our goal is to make better use of existing resources through a strength-based approach of grassroots organizing, collaborative planning, strategic implementation, and networking to sustain practical initiatives that create opportunities to improve health. We believe in making connections and working together. We value positive, solution-focused communication. We are committed to developing relationships that are respectful and mutually beneficial, with a focus on shared goals. We intend to listen to what our partners say, engage with them, and take action together. We share what we learn with others and will contribute to the national discussion around the importance of rural community engagement. We are investing in data collection structures so that we are accountable to
ourselves and to those we serve and so we may study and refine what works. The vision of GCHA is that “Every person in every community has a fair and just opportunity to reach their greatest health potential.” Food inequity is one of the leading issues in meeting this vision. GCHA has partnered with others across the county to link local food to help meet local needs and has developed a county-wide food system plan to address food insecurity.
The AmeriCorps member will help create a county-wide distribution system to get surplus agricultural products from a centralized food hub to the ten food pantries and three community feeding programs in Greenbrier County.
Greenbrier Valley Theatre (GVT), the State Professional Theatre of West Virginia, is a cornerstone arts institution in Lewisburg with a nearly 60-year history of serving the cultural, educational, and economic life of the region. What began in a tent and later moved to a barn has grown into a professional downtown theatre at 1038 Washington Street East. Now entering its 59th season, GVT continues to fulfill its mission to create live, professional theatre in West Virginia and, through theatre, to enlighten, enrich, and enliven the life of the region. Through our productions, education programs, partnerships, and community events, GVT helps make professional arts experiences accessible in a rural state while attracting visitors to Lewisburg and the Greenbrier Valley. Audiences who attend performances also support nearby restaurants, hotels, shops, gas stations, and other businesses, connecting the theatre to broader tourism and economic-development efforts. In 2026, GVT will provide high-quality live theatre for local residents, students, visitors from across West Virginia, and patrons from more than 20 states.
The AmeriCorps member will support Greenbrier Valley Theatre's efforts to expand access to professional theatre, arts education, and community-based cultural programming in rural Greenbrier County, West Virginia. The member's primary service activities will focus on improving the audience and participant experience for patrons, students, volunteers, artists, and community members. The member will help strengthen GVT's volunteer and community engagement capacity by recruiting, scheduling, training, and communicating with volunteers who serve as ushers, greeters, concessions helpers, and event support. The member will also provide service-based administrative and outreach support connected to GVT's performances, education programs, and community events.
Laughlin Chapel has been in the East Wheeling Community for more than 150 years. Most programming is designed to provide safe supervision, academic support, and meals for children in the urban neighborhoods of Wheeling. During the current academic year, 75 individual children have participated in the afterschool program. Nearly all children come from Madison or Ritchie Elementary schools. The afterschool program operates Monday – Thursday. In the summer, the Chapel offers the Energy Express program, which comes to us through the WVU Office of Extension Services. Energy Express helps kids maintain or improve their literacy skills over the summer. Summer programming is six weeks, five days per week, 8:30 to 3:00 pm. Approximately 56 children will enroll. All programs are free. More than 50 families rely on the Chapel for accessible out-of-school time programs, which help families maintain employment. Meals are provided through participation in the WV Department of Education CACFP and SFSP programs. For the 2025-2026 year (September through July), nearly 17,000 meals were provided. All transportation is provided, either in cooperation with Ohio County Schools or by utilizing the Chapel’s bus and van. Partner organizations, such as Scouting, Grow Ohio Valley, Wheeling Park Commission, Ohio County Schools, Oglebay Institute, and more provide enrichment and recreational opportunities to children in our programs. The Chapel is a regular host for community activities.
In the morning, the AmeriCorps member will grow work experience in the IT field to inventory assets (hardware and software, peripheral connection and mapping), complete network documentation, and make a plan to sell/remove outdated technology. In the afternoons, the member will help support the afterschool program. Students arrive to the Chapel, wash their hands, receive a snack, move to classrooms for homework help, then participate in an enrichment activity, before finally having dinner and are then either provided transportation or bussed home. This member will serve in the afternoon by helping support students in their academic area and enrichment activity (approximately an hour and a half) before moving to the reception area to help support Chapel staff with balancing meal service and mainlining facility security by checking parents/guardians in and their children out (approximately an hour and a half).
The Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Planning and Development Council (MOVRC) is a governmental planning and development agency serving Calhoun, Jackson, Pleasants, Ritchie, Roane, Tyler, Wirt, and Wood counties in west-central West Virginia, also known as Region V. The goal of the MOVRC and its Board of Directors is to more effectively use available resources and to maximize the opportunities for local communities and public service agencies to secure federal assistance for economic development, water and sewer system construction and expansion, public facility improvements, and more. The MOVRC is a Local Development District under the Appalachian Regional Commission and an economic development district under the U.S. Department of Commerce/Economic Development Administration.
The AmeriCorps member will work with designated counties to build capacity for outreach and coordination, specifically to build Talent Ecosystem infrastructure. This work will include scheduling and facilitating meetings, researching existing programs and pieces of the talent ecosystem to highlight and increase communication, and to build and keep relationships going.
Our mission is to facilitate establishment of a system of prevention, education, and early intervention activities aimed at enabling families, children and all at risk members of our community to reach their fullest potential through community based, planning activities for Monroe County.
The Mountain Stewardship and Outdoor Leadership school is an educational non-profit focused on nature awareness, stewardship, and youth-led leadership. We offer in-school classes for students at our partner school, Morgantown Learning Academy, as well as afterschool and summer programs that are open to all local students. Our classes are more than just lesson plans taught outside – they are engaging, fully immersive experiences that emphasize passion, personal responsibility, and leadership to guide our next generation on the path of building a more just and resilient Appalachia.
The AmeriCorps member will be in charge of communications with parents and instructors; serve as representative between Mountain SOL and MLA; oversee
afterschool study hall from 3:00 to 4:00 Monday through Thursday; monitor social media accounts; monitor and prepare first aid kits for all on-site and off-site classes; monitor supply inventory and notify financial officer when items need replenished; contribute to public outreach efforts; and attend public events as a Mountain SOL representative. Optionally, the member will be given the opportunity to develop and deliver outdoor education programming that is in alignment with Mountain SOL’s mission statement.
Pocahontas County is a scenic and diverse county in south-eastern West Virginia. We are home to the first state park, Droop Mountain Battlefield, and the largest state park, Watoga. The largest ski resort in the state, Snowshoe Mountain hosts UCI World Cup Mountain bike events where the best riders in the world compete. Pocahontas County is the birthplace of eight rivers and over 50 miles of rail trail. While we are an ideal tourist destination, local children and families are not utilizing all our resources. According to WVEIS data, 88% of Pocahontas County students are classified as low-income. With a combination of nature-deficit disorder, an increased number of grand families, and a lack of discretionary household funds, outdoor experiences for children are few and far between. In the wake and aftermath of Covid-19 students and teachers have been stressed, spread thin, and disconnected from our community. In response, Nature’s Mountain Classroom was conceived, and Adventure Pocahontas was born. We created, organized, and implemented adventure-based programming for our local public school system. During the regular school day, students explore our county during four consecutive Thursdays and participated in outdoor recreational activities and project-based learning stations. This program was provided at zero cost to the students- including all gear, necessary clothing, and instruction.
The AmeriCorps member's focus will be preparation and communication of our program offerings. Additionally, supporting each adventure day with support and back up programming in the event of a presenting issue. For Linwood Alive, the member will be focused on capacity building and farmers market support.
NRCF operates an 82-acre farm to strengthen the local food system in Central Appalachia. Our primary goals are to train and support regional producers, expand institutional and retail market access for locally grown products, and increase community access to nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables. Through farmer training, farm-to-school partnerships, and regional distribution, we improve economic opportunity for producers while increasing healthy food access for students, families, and rural communities.
The AmeriCorps member will assist in the outreach and execution of farm to school and community programming. They will host field trips and 4-H clubs, mentor high school interns, coordinate volunteers, support community event planning and execution, harvest for and execute pop up farmers markets, harvest for and execute Farmacy programming, develop school gardens, and execute school gardening programming.
New Vision is a Christ-centered community development organization focused on helping young people and individuals in recovery build stable, purpose-driven lives through housing, workforce development, mentorship, and service. Our flagship initiative, New Vision Village, provides housing, employment pathways, and wrap-around support primarily for young adults aging out of foster care or facing housing instability. Residents gain hands-on job experience through our construction crews while developing life skills, accountability, and long-term career direction in a structured, supportive environment.
The AmeriCorps member will help coordinate and support up to 150 Christian volunteers from across the country as they participate in mission-focused service projects in our community. During these initiatives, they will assist in supervising, teaching, mentoring, and discipling youth ages 14–18 through our Pathfinders program. These experiences provide young people with practical life skills, exposure to trade work, and positive mentorship that supports their personal growth and future readiness.
The primary goal of the PATCH is to provide a safe place for at-risk youth and their families to grow physically, emotionally, socially, and intellectually. In accomplishing this goal, PATCH is proactive in community development through youth empowerment. The PATCH mission is to help working families, keep children safe, provide educational enrichment, build productive citizens, and structured leadership in our communities. Since 1996 PATCH has been strengthening our community through leadership, development, capacity building, and fiscal accountability.
The AmeriCorps member will provide character education for students in the PATCH programs. This will include weekly workshops, program information dissemination, parent workshops, and weekly sessions in education and health related topics.
Pocahontas County Libraries and Visitor Information Centers (PCLVIC) is comprised of five libraries, stretching from one end of our rural West Virginian County to the other. The library branches are strategically located throughout the county to provide easy access to enrichment, connectivity, and community to all residents and visitors. The main branch, the McClintic Library is in Marlinton, with additional branches in the communities of Durbin, Green Bank, Hillsboro and Linwood.
The AmeriCorps member will primarily focus on educational programming but would have the opportunity to support library staff in library operations and capacity building. Existing program support opportunities include summer reading programs, after-school programs, story time playgroups, and community outreach events. The member would also participate in the development of new programs, services, and library support initiatives throughout the year.
The Potomac Valley Audubon Society (PVAS) is dedicated to “preserving, restoring, and enjoying the natural world through education and action.” The PVAS was organized in 1982 as a local chapter of the National Audubon Society. The organization began its land stewardship work in 1984 when it partnered with The Nature Conservancy to manage Yankauer Nature Preserve, and has since expanded to four preserves totaling more than 567 acres that serve as both protected habitat and outdoor classrooms. In 2001, PVAS launched its first formal youth education programs in partnership with local schools, which have grown into a comprehensive Pre-K through 6th grade curriculum reaching thousands of students annually through classroom visits, field trips, the 4th Grade Watershed Program, summer camps, and Nature in the Neighborhood, a free drop-in program that brings nature-based learning to urban community spaces for families unable to access preserve-based programming. Under the leadership of Executive Director Kristin Alexander, who has led the organization since 2007, PVAS has also developed conservation initiatives including the Grassland Birds Initiative, which works with private landowners to protect nesting habitat for declining species, the Habitat Stewardship Program, and projects like the Chimney Swift Conservation Project. Today, PVAS programs focus on integrating education and conservation to connect residents of all ages to the ecosystems that sustain their communities.
The AmeriCorps member will serve as an Educator Service member or a Land Management and Conservation service member.
Project Healthy Kids is a West Virginia-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health of children and families while building sustainable food and health systems that support thriving communities for generations to come. Founded in 2016, the organization works alongside agriculture, childcare, healthcare, education, culinary, and research partners to increase access to healthy food and create opportunities for lifelong wellness. Through practical, community-based programs, Project Healthy Kids helps children and families build healthier habits while strengthening the systems that support health across West Virginia. A cornerstone of this work is the Central Kitchen Food Project, a collaborative initiative that connects local farmers, schools, childcare centers, healthcare providers, and community organizations to prepare and distribute nutritious, scratch-made meals. In 2024, Project Healthy Kids and its partners supported the preparation of more than 278,000 healthy meals, worked with 13 West Virginia farmers, expanded workforce training opportunities, and advanced innovative food-as-medicine initiatives. By combining nutrition access, education, workforce development, and local food system investment, Project Healthy Kids is creating sustainable solutions that improve health outcomes, strengthen local economies, and help communities thrive.
The AmeriCorps member will support K–12 nutrition education programs; hands-on food and cooking activities; community workshops and outreach events; volunteer recruitment and coordination; participant engagement; educational resource development; event planning; partner communication; and program support activities that expand access to nutrition education and healthy lifestyle programming.
The Shepherd University Center at Tabler Farm is developing a community engaged regional center for training, innovation, and research in sustainable agriculture practices that integrate farms into natural landscapes. We collaborate with local organizations to provide fresh produce and farm/food education. AmeriCorps members will assist with community and university outreach and engagement including networking, organizing talks about the program, scheduling and hosting tours and field trips to our farm, and general promotion of the program. The member will also serve as a leader for direct engagement with the farm, leading students and volunteers in their service at the farm production site.
The year-long AmeriCorps member will primarily contribute to our programming efforts. They will coordinate will local schools to engage middle and high school aged students with our farm through field trips, summer camps, and mentorship programs, support our wide variety of community oriented events, and help to develop a Farm to School program at the Farm. They will also participate in regular vegetable production farming duties during the main growing season.
The six-month AmeriCorps member will serve alongside the year-long member and support them in the Farm's programming efforts. They will engage with middle and high school students during their visits to the Farm, support our community events, and assist in regular vegetable production farm duties during the main growing season.
The summer AmeriCorps member will primarily lead the vegetable production operations of the Farm and will also support the year-long and 6-month members in leading volunteer groups on the Farm and other community activities on the Farm as needed.
Stars that Shine is a 501(c)(3) West Virginia nonprofit dedicated to empowering, educating, and leading young women toward a brighter future. Serving the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia and beyond, we provide empowerment workshops, mentorship, academic support, leadership training, and life-changing opportunities to help girls overcome barriers and reach their full potential.
The Town of Gassaway, located in Braxton County, is the geographic center of the State of West Virginia. Once a bustling railroad hub, Gassaway now is a close-knit town where local traditions, community events, and shared spaces anchor residents with a sense of belonging. Despite its modest size, Gassaway is staying the course. But it is an uphill battle when Gassaway, like many areas in West Virginia, has a history of limited internet access and other resources. Civic leadership, businesses, schools, churches, nonprofits, and volunteers work collaboratively to host festivals, and improve public spaces; Gassaway’s willingness to innovate, combined with its grassroots networks, makes it an ideal environment for capacity‑building initiatives. Gassaway seeks to improve its organizational capacity, develop crucial outreach to our residents and schools, and utilize what capability the town currently possesses to provide information about resources for telehealth, government services, skills training and on-line education to address unemployment, underemployment, virtual employment opportunities, and volunteerism.
The AmeriCorps member will enhance the town’s capability to communicate its services and assist in identifying opportunities for families.
The WVSOM Center for Rural and Community Health builds infrastructure that empowers communities to reach their highest level of health and wellness through evidence-based, community-engaged outreach, education and research.
Learning is central to Riverhawk Farm. The farm provides hands-on agricultural education for K12 students, WVU Parkersburg students, early college students, veterans, and community members through workshops, classes, demonstrations, and work-based learning. Leadership is developed by giving students and AmeriCorps members real responsibility in farm operations, outreach events, volunteer coordination, and community projects. Health and Wellness align with Riverhawk Farm’s work in specialty crops, local food access, food security, and nutrition education. Community Engagement is reflected through partnerships with schools, producers, WVDA, food access organizations, local businesses, volunteers, and families across the Mid-Ohio Valley. The proposed AmeriCorps role would support all four pillars by connecting young people and community members to meaningful agricultural learning, service, leadership, and healthier food systems.
The AmeriCorps member will support agriculture education, community outreach, and capacity building at The Riverhawk Farm. The full-time member will provide consistent leadership for K12 farm-based learning, agriculture demonstrations, youth and community workshops, volunteer coordination, local food and healthy futures programming, and program documentation. The part-time member will add seasonal capacity for school outreach, farm-based learning sessions, harvest and food access activities, volunteer support, outreach events, and special projects tied to Riverhawk Farm programming.
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2023 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report's 2022-2023 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan seventh in Best Value - Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. The mission of West Virginia Wesleyan College is as follows: West Virginia Wesleyan College challenges its students to a life-long commitment to develop their intellectual, ethical, spiritual, and leadership potential and to set and uphold standards of excellence.
The member will:
- Develop, implement, and facilitate educational programming and interactive workshops focused on community building, fostering a sense of belonging, and navigating social expectations.
- Partner directly with various campus groups and student organizations to assess their current comfort levels regarding community engagement.
- Design and deliver tailored interventions to increase the confidence, cohesion, and social comfortability of both the groups and their individual members.
- Support the planning, promotion, and execution of large-scale community outreach initiatives and educational events centered around belonging, civic engagement, and student integration.
- Recruit, train, and coordinate a dedicated team of student ambassadors to champion campus programming, amplify outreach efforts, and drive
peer-to-peer accountability and engagement. - Foster social and community expectations through the development of common language, culture, and community standards.
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